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Northern Star (1837-1852), 28th August 1841, Edition 4 of 4, Page 1, LIBERATION OP FEABGUS O'CONNOR

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    • LIBERATION OP FEABGUS O'CONNOR
    • €havU0t Stgen&ence
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      Liberation Op Feabgus O'Connor

      LIBERATION OP FEABGUS O'CONNOR

      Untitled Article

      THE O'CONNOR DEMONSTRATION

      COMMITTEE TO THB WORKING CLASSES OF THE EMPIRE . Fellow Workmen , —Tbe "will of God has prevailed over the will of man , and our tyrants who were deaf to oqt appeals for the liberation of our friend and champion , have been comp elled at length ta yield to necessity what they jefoged to justice . On Monday next , the 30 th of August ,

      0 CONNOR WILL BE FREE ! As 4 , brothers , oot present object is to make tk freedom a welcome offering , by presenting for his acceptance the increased affection of those for whom he has struggled . It is now more than two years since O'Connor was first tried at York by a special jury , for what is called libel ; it is nearly a year and a half since he was again tried at York for what is called publication of libel ; and on both occasions we

      bad an opportunity of hearing and judging for Ourselves , as well of his principles as of his courage to support them . And , fellow workmen , we unhesitatingly declare that his manly stand against oppression , bis utter disregard of selfj his firm adherence to our principles , and his advocacy of our rights , taught as to look upon Chartism as the one only ihing worth living for " or worth dying for . For nearly sixteen months he has been a prisoner

      within view of oar every thoroughfare : and onr hearts have suck when often-time ? leaving the cell , the smoky cell , which contained ihe drooping and fast decaying body bat ever jovons spirit of our friend . Yes , we have made it a part of our duty to visit him , and neve has he allowed us for one moment to despond or to devote an hoar towards effecting his liberation . For many months past it required no great medical art to convince

      common sense that O Connor s confinement was ondenniiung bis constitution : however , the practitioners did not discover toe fact until last week , when a certificate was forwarded to the Home Secretary , stating that longer confinement would endanger the life of the prisoner ; and therefore an order was immediately sent for his Telease , and in conformitv with that order he will be once more

      restored to us on Monday sexu \\ e , the Chartists : of York , bare left nothing undone to make his reception what it ought to be , but in consequence of the happy event being hastened by some rreeks , we are compelled to subsiitnte a meat supper , or Soiree , for the dinner , which is the only change made in our former arrangements , which we submit as foUcirs : —

      O'CONNOR ¦ WHl LZiVE THE Ci-TLE - \ T 0 V 2 O \ LfX K PREriSZLV , in-OM ? . OTtD BY THE MARSHALS AND COMMITTEE , ¦ WHO WllL CONDUCT HIM T" A TRIUMPHAL CAR EtILT EXPRESSLY TDK THE rVUPOSE . "When tbe trumpets sball sound the advance , THE PROCESSION will then proceed in the following order : — MARSHALS ON HOllSEBACK .

      COMMITTEE OF RELEASE DEMONSTRATION , Tiro and tiro , wearing White acd Green Ribbons , and carrying a splendid Flae . MEMBERS OF CHARTIST ASSOCIATION . Two and two , wearing Green Ribands . BRASS BAND . Delegates from other town ? , two and two .

      O'CONNOR , IN A TRIUMPHAL CAR . : ! : Beautifully decorated and drawn by six horses . Tbe body of the People three and three . In this order the procession will proceed through tbe principal streets of the city to Knavesmire Grand Star .-i , where Mr . O ' Connor will briefl y address the people . After the public meeting Mr . O'Connor and tbe committee will receive the friends who mav

      honour him with their presence , in a large room prepared for the purpose , and where the delegates may transact their busice ?? . At six o ' clock there will be a tea supper : price of tickets . ] s . 6 d . After supper Mr . O'Connor and tbe delegates will address the company . Brothers , we have thus briefl y stated tbe arrangements made ( or again receiving tbe man to whose principle and person tbe working classes of this country are most devotedly

      attached ; and in thus sabmittirsgr our intention , we feel bound ; to say that upon that occasion York must not be considered as all England : that tbe demonstration Trill be a national , not a local display ; and although taking- place in York , where circumstances do not permit the existence of so numerous a body of Chartists as are to be found in other towns , vet re ! vine

      upon the cordial co-operation of ' our friends throughout tbe empire , we have incurred an expence which each town in tbe kingdom will consider itself in honour boand to share . ! Nav we are confident that a feeling of jealousy wooia be the consequence of our " not affording the poorest village an opportunity of bearing its convenient proportion of this , in our opinion »» t « USELESS DISPLAY . " ' '

      The committee beg to assure yon that they have been unceasing in tbeir exertions , both night and day since the announcement of tbe glad daings , aud that Botbin ? sball be left trndW upon their part to make their visitors from a distance as comfortable as possible . I pey have made arrangements with tbe pro-P * etor of tbe Grand Stand , for furnishin g

      "x « e who sball not feel inclined to remain for CTpper , with a good lunch of bread and cheese and ale for Sixpence each . The com-° Ettee , in conclusion bave to request that ^ wy town approving of these arrangements , » W transmit its mite in aid of them at once w oar Secretary , whose name and address appears hereunto annexed .

      It is most urgently requested that all delegates will bring , from their respective towns . 65 nany flags as they can muster . B y order of Committee , W . CORDEI ' X , 2 * , Micklegate , York .

      Untitled Article

      TO THB FUSTIAN JACKETS , BLISTERED HANDS , & UNSHORN CHINS . MT BELOVED FK 1 K . XDS , On the 11 th of May 1 was snatched from yoa t > y tbe ruthless arm of tyranny ; on Monday next I shall be restored to yoa by the band of Providence , and upon that day yoat shall judge for youmlvei whether nearly sixteen months of solitary—mind , solitary—confinement ia a condemned cell , in a felon ' s pr ison , and treated brutally an * ia violation of every rule by -which , prison discipline is administered to the wont of Moos , hat

      damped ay ardour , or slackened my zsaL On Monday yoa shall judge whether oppression has broken CConnor - s heart , or O'Connor has broken oppression ' s head-Till then , farewell . Or leaving you , my motto was Universal Sqfrepe and no Surrender . On joining you once more , the same words shall be upon my tenner . O ! Monday will be a great and glorious day for Chartism and rl ^ ht I shall , with God ' s help , aided by the people ' s prayers , gain a giant ' s strength , 'twixt this and the hour for which I pant . Ever your fond and devoted friend , To the death , Feaegcs O'Connob . York Cattle , 25 th of 16 th Month of eon finament in tbe Condemned Cell .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY , HER MAJESTY'S SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT . My Lobd , —Your order for my release from the illegal custody in which I have been detained for nearly sixteen months , reached here on Sunday last , when its contents were immediately communicated tome . My Lord , while you cannot expect my thanks for this act , certainly very promptly yielded to necessity , bat bo long denied to justice , yet there is a something eonsolotary to me and graceful in your Lordship , in the accompaniment to jour order for my liberation .

      My Lord , I was designated as a most dangerous person ; and so far had the rule of expediency prevailed under a BlidiDg-sc&le Administration , that it was all but openly avowed in the House of Commons by officers and members of the Government , that if we , the Chartists , were not legally , we were nevertheless conveniently remoTed from the excited pnblic . However , my Lord , you hare , in my opinion , and very properly , censored the judgment of the Court of Queen ' s Bench by dispensing with & compliance with that

      porlicn of the sentesce , which imposed upon me the necessity of finding sureties for my good behaviour for two years . To me , my Lord , this was the only triumphin the victory of ri ^ ht over mi ^ ht , or rather of necessity over wiil . I am not one of those persons who say more upon matters personal to myself in newspapers than I can avoid ; but I do feel it due to myself , my cause , and my party , to state briefly the circumstances which led tovour Lordships' order for my release . I shall not note travel over any of the long past , but shall confine myself to circumstances which occurred within the last week .

      On Monday , the S : h August , I was unexpectedly honoured with a visit from Mr . Duncombe , M . P . for Finsbury . I wa 3 not able to rise from the chair to receive him . I took ihat , the earliest opportunity which had occurred , of thanking him for his very great and persevering zeal on behalf ol" the long-imprisoned aDd bratuaJly-treated poor Cbarcists . In ihe course of conversation , tbe subject of my own state of health was introduced ; and Mr . Duncombe assured me that if I petitioned once more he would back it by a representation of what he had seen . He said he thought I was on the Dtbtors' side .

      However , I refused either to apply to authority , or petition the House of Commons , sajing that I would ratherremain in for any term , than owe my liberation to mercy upon the pan of the Crown , or a personal application to your Lordship ; and that I would not allow any friend to apply on my behalf . Mr . Duncombe appeared to have a very high opinion of jour Lordship ' s sense of justice , and your desiie to do right ; but I had no notion of putting either to the test . Oa the following Wednesday , August 11 , Mr . Hague , chairman of the visiting magistrates , waited upon me-in companv with the Governor , and

      said , " Mr . O'Connor , I was = o ; ry to learn from the Governor that you have been very poorly for some time . " I replied , " That I thought he should have heard it first and long since from the medical attendant ? ; that I had not stood upright for a fortnight ; and that the effects of my treatment were just what Dr . Thompson had anticipated , and stated in his affidavit . " I told him that I would make no application to the Magistrates , ;© the House of Commons , to th # Home Office , or to the medical gentlemen ; that anything that was done should be done through the usual channel , without any appeal upon my part ;

      that a felon sentenced to transportation had been liberated from York Castle , in consequence of ill health , very recently ; that Mr . Medhurst had a ' so been liberated ; but that 1 would not try the experiment . Mr . Hague told me that he thought it had become his duty fo require a certificate of my state of health from the principal medical attendant ; and accordingly Mr . Champney , who very ably fills that department , visited me , and again I refused to ask him to make any certificate , observing thai I felt assured that

      what ever justice demanded he would do . Upon leaving me , Mr . Champney wrote the certificate , upon which , together with the r € commendation of every visiting magistrate in York , my release was granted . 1 did not see the certificate or the letter of the magistrates till Saturday , the 14 th , the day upon which they reached the Home Office . Such , my Lord , are the simple facts connected with my release ; and my motives for publishing them ia to hold myself guiltless in the eyes of the working people from any the slightest charge of having asked for mercy .

      My Lord , as you are aware I never wrote one line to the Home Office since my incarceration , I have not allowed a single friend to interfere since the 1 st of June , 1840 , when the allegations in my petition were so nabloshiDgly contradicted by Mr . Fox Maule . I never petitioned for any greater boon than that prayed for in my petition of June , 1840 , to be removed to another less cold prison , and in my subsequent petition of tbe same month , asking for the production of the evidence taken before Mr . Inspector Crawford .

      This is as much as I feel myself called upon to state , forthe present ; while I consider myself bound in justice to myself and in vindication of my own honour , which has been violently insulted , to assure your Lordship that I am not a person to bear insult tamefy , however I may bear oppression nobly . I must and will have Mr . Crawford ' s report ; for rest assured that I value liberty at the expence of honour as a very dear purchase , and one which I am not , nor I trust ever shall be , prepared to make .

      My Lord , " as I am not in the least desirou 3 to lessen the Talue of a good act , or to pervert facts , I am willing to pla-ce your order for dispensing with securities for my good conduct to your credit , thus : to a disposition not to interpose any unnecessary delay in the way of my immediate liberation , which might arise from the difncnlty of one so stamped by law with distinctiveness , finding volunteer sureties in a strange ptice . 1 h&re the honflor to remain , My Lord , Tour obedient servant , Fbibgvs O'Connor . Cerdamaed Cell , York Castle , August 25 th , ISil .

      €Havu0t Stgen&Ence

      € havU 0 t Stgen&ence

      Untitled Article

      BHUVTOfGBAltl . Lectubsbs' FtfHD . — -The committee for the management of the sfeove fond have received the required amount from Walaalf , Stourbridge , WolTerhamplon , Bilston , and Birmingham , and as Mr . Mason , of Newcastle-upon-Tyae , has been appointed lecturer , and that a considerable sum will be required to defray his travelling expenees to Birmingham , the following places are requested to forward a fortnight ' s money at soon as -poasiMs i- ^ W » damtmy f BromsgroTe , Worcester , Kiddsrminstw , BeddRch , Coventry , Nnneaton , Foleshill , and DaTenrry ; any other places , not named , who h ** e a d « ir « to aeetire . the services of a lecturer , ate also requested to forward their money as quick as they can . AH place * , who an aot prepared to do so , will be pleased to transmit a letter to the secretary , Mr . George White , No . 3 Court , Essex-street , Birmingham , stating their reasons .

      Release of Feargos O'Connor . —The pleasing intelligence of tbe remission of the remaining portion of imprisonment of the great Cuartist advocate and champion , arrived ia Birmingham , on Tuesday morning , in a Vettet from O'Connor to Mr . GeoTge White . The tetter stated tbe Intention of Mr . O'Connor to visit Birmingham , prerious to tbe 27 th of September , which welcome sews spread with the greatest rapidity , and was received with universal joy through the Chartist ranks . A letter was immediately dispatched , requesting the undaunted friend of the people , to attend tbe grand tea party and ball , to beheld on the 2 l * t of September , it U also ia contemplation to hold a fnat public meet ing on the occasion , when , there is no doubt , the men and women of Birmingham will rally in thousands round their tried and beloved friend . Hurrah ! hurrah for the Charter . On Monday Evening , the usual weekly meeting of the National Charier Association was held at tbeir

      room , in Freeman-street . Mr . Pountney was called to the chair , and introduced Mr . White to address the meeting . Mr . White described the oppression which existed in England and Ireland—exposed the method resorted to by the Government , to cause a feeling of hatred to exist bstween the natives of those countries , and shewed the reasons why the Irish demanded a Repeal of the Union . He hoped the English and Irish working men would unite sad giro the hand of fellowship to each other , that they might by tbeir co-operation , secure justice for both countries . The Irish would then get the Union repealed , and the English would get tbe People ' s Charter , which he hoped would form the basis of tbe Irish Parliament . He was glad to Bee the good feeling that existed between the English and Irish working men , and hoped that it would continue until both countries were blessed with freedom . He then commented on the good position which the Chartists held , and concluded amid loud cheers .

      Piblic Meeting . —A meeting was held at the Railway Station , Oaddeston-row , on Tuesday evening last , which was addressed by Mr . George White , on the principles of the Charter and tbe necessity of union amongst the working classes . He attbesauie time announced the intended release of Mr . O'Connor , at one o ' clock on Monday next , and concluded by stating the many sacrifices which Mr . O'Connor bad wade on behalf of the working classes , and hoped that when Mr . O'Connor arrived in Birmingham , tbe people would shew their gratitude to him by assembling ia thousands to feivebim a proper reception . Mr . White bUted , that it vras tbe intention of the National Charter Association to make every possible exertion on the ccciBion . The meeting then gave three hearty cheers for Feanms O'Connor , af cer which they separated .

      Feeemavstkeet Meetings . A meeting was held at the Chartist roum , Freeman-street , on Sunday evening lost , Mr . J . Williamson in tbe chair . Tha meeting was addressed by Mr . White , In the course of which he commented on the hypocritical conduct of tbe Dissenting Ministers who lately assembled at Manchester . He then showed up the conduct of the higher and middle classes , and pointed out the folly of looking up to such persons for assistance . He exhorted all present to redouble tbeir exertions , and to depend on themselves only for tbeir political emancipation . The ¦ worthy Chairman then delivered an animated addre&a , in the course of which he said that he had been a preacher for m \ ny years ; that he still held his religious sentiments , but had separated himself from the congregation to which he belonged , as be consulted it to be a money making affair . He exposed the hypocrisy of those who preach to save people ' s souls , whilst they assist in starving their bodies , and was loudly ai'piauded .

      Repeal of the Union . —The usual meeting of Ireland's ' real friends' T * -as held at Mr . Qateley ' s , Old Meeting-street , on Sunday evening last , Mr . Black in the chair . The Chairman called upon the wardens to band in the money they had collected , when Mr . Moore paid in a sum , which , when added to the amount collected by him , made a totil of twenty-five shillings . Mr . O'Xeii has also distinguished himself as an active collector . After the money business had concluded , tbe report contained in last week ' s 67 ar was read to tbe

      mtcting , after which Mr . Morris hoped th » t tbe statement regarding him would be corrected , as he thought it might be misunderstood . He meant that be was fot Ireland's Charter , namely , a Hepeal of the Union , and did not wish his name t » be associated with anything else , Mr . Murray was th < . n called upon to address the wetting , which he did in a clever and humourous spefceb . of some length . Mr . George White also speke at some length , after 'which tbe Secretary deelared his intention of tending £ o to the Association in Dublin : the meeting then separated .

      Grand TE . vPari \ and Bali FeargusO'Connor , Esq . is expected ifi Birmingham to attend the tea party , -which takes place on the 21 st of September . Faost , Williams , and Jo . nes . —The general committee / or securing the return of the above named individuals held its usual weekly meeting on Tuesday evening last , Mr . Thorpe in the chair . It was resolved , " That a- letter be sent to the Marquis of Normanby without delay , requesting an answer to the memorial sent by this committee . " It was also resolved , " That tbe committee hold a public meeting

      every Tuesday evening , for the purpose of creating public opinion in favour of the victims , and to raisu monies for carrying the objects of the committee into effect ; " and also " Thai , this committee , for the purpose of raising the general funds , do agree to have a soiree , the time and place , &c . to be left for the further consideration of tbe committee . " Messrs . Griffiths , Hopkins , anJ Thompson were elected members of this committee . By order , Thomas H . Shaw , John Wilki . xsos , Joint Secretaries . All communications for the committee to be addressed to Mr . Guest , Steelhouse-lane , Birmingham .

      PLYMOUTH . —The following resolution was agreed to at a general meeting of Chartists on Monday : — " The period of Mr . Tbomas Bolwell ' s engagement as ruiBsionary for the county of Devon having expired , and that gentleman relurned . to Bath , that the best thanks of the Chartists of this district are due aood are hereby given him , for his untiring zeal and tsnergy , under most unfavourable clrsumatances in the good cause whilst among us . " NEWCASTLE . —The Chartists held their weekly meeting on Monday evening , Mr . Condon in the chair . The Secrej ^ ry read the minute s of last meeting ; likewise a letter from Mr . O'Connor , stating that an order had just arrived from the Home Office for Mr . O"C . 's immediate liberation from Yurk Gaol . The Hall immediately rung with most deafenlag cheers . Mr . Harrison then moved and Mr . Sinclair seconded the following resolution , "vrliicb was carried unanimously : —

      " That the intimation of Mr . OXJonnor * s release be announced by placard to-morrow morning , and that a public meeting be held , for the pnrpo ° e of electing a de l egate to meet and congratulate Mr . O'Connor on bis release at the prison gate , in the name of the patriots of Newcastle . " There were a good many new members enrolled , and the sum of 3 s . lid . handed fn for Mr . O'Brien ' s fund . Village Meetings . —The Chartists held a public meeting on last Wednesday evening week , at Byke Hill , which was attended by all the male populatioa in the village . Mr . > 2 ason very ably addressed them on the necessity of procuring a full and fair representation iu the state , as the only means of removing the misery so very prevalent amongst the unprotected millions . Ho spoke for nearly two

      hours , and was loudly cheered throughout . A good many new members were enrolJed . The Newcastle Chartists held a public meeting at Freeman ' s Row , a- colliery village near Hartley . Mr . Cross was called to the chair . Mr . Morgan , in a very talented manner , lectured upon the Five Points of the People ' s Charter , showing their consistency with the Jaw of God and humanity . A few friends here contributed 2 s . lOd . to Mr . O'Brien ' s Petition Fund . Several Chartists accompanied the speakers down to Hartley a distance of nearly four miies , when another public meeting w& 3 held at four o ' clock . Tho whole population of tho village listened to the various persons who addressed them , illustrative of the principles of universal liberty ; after which they escorted the friends a 3 far as the beach , where the steam-boat lay in waiting .

      TODMORDSN . —Mr . Leech of Manchester , lectured here on Monday night , to a numerous and attentive audience . At the close of his address votes of thanks were given to the lecturer , Feargus O'Connor , and all political prisoners , not forgetting Frost , Williams , and Jones , to the Editor of the Northern Stir , to Mr . John HolUnj&ke , for lending bis room , and to the Chairman .

      Untitled Article

      QLjm ^ Jft . —On Thursday last , Mr . Benbow «*»»<* ? M « iiit to this to * n , when he waa invited to stop aj « jrttemlecture , whioh he kindly consented to 00 , ^ 0 . * few notices were written , announcing ttj aV * jfw # ifc leeture would be given by the above individa * o& the foUowing day , Fridaj , al eight o '« ' 0 ! WfcH » Wjayening . ' Mr . Butterworth was called to the Aair . The Chairman rose aud said hi * friend whom fpuioald . introduce to them was one in bis opinioa © , wfco > for patriotism , conrage , and per * sererajiB none could excel ; he then introduced Mr . ^ W » ffl « Bbow to the meeting , who commenced by etatingAat sooiety in its origin was formed for the good ap the happiness of all ; but that it bad

      merf * a | rom its original parity successively into its preBenfc ; miserable condition , and showed that the o * us «~ w&ica produced these effects lay in the exolusive power the aristocracy had in the making of laws , and appointing officers to the administration of them . He went on to say tbat tbe only remedy that could be applied for all tbe evils was the Charter , and the means lay in the unanimity of the people , and ttrged the necessity ojf on * and all sinking minor diiferencefi , and uniting in one common bond ef lore ^ and oharity for uuivetsil liberty , which meant Universal suffrage . A vote of thanks was p assed to , the lecturer and chairmau , and the meeting separated .

      TVOHMTON ^ DelfoateMbetino . —On Sunday evening last , a ^ le gate meeting was held in the National Charter Association School , for the purpa ** 'B £ 4 akiur int * ooBskkntion the propriety of ft itmUok a nfiw district , including Thornton , Brad-8 haw > and Queenshead . Considerable discussion took place in consequence ; all parties , however , agreed that sneh a step was necessary , especially as regards the Queenshead branch , for the distance it is situated from Bradford , and the late hour at which the Bradford Council generally transact their business , renders it almost impossible for them to attend . The Queenshead branch has for a length of time been little better thaa a nonentity . In order to make the plan as effioieut as aa possible , and , at the same time , to extend the field of operation , it was agreed to hold another meeting at the same place

      that day fortnight , and , in the mean time , to visit all those who are known to be friendly to the principles of the Charter in the surrounding villages and hamlets , and request them to form , a nucleus in various neighbourhoods , round which to collect the scattered elements of democracy ; The present deficient state of the lecturing staff was likewise taken into consideration . In order to remove this evil as soon as possible , a lecturing class was formed with every prospect of success . They will meet every Sunday evening to discuss some political subject or other . Could this plan be carried into operation in every district , it would tend more thau anything else to place Char tit m on a proper basis , by making every man his own lecturer , and thus prevent it from becoming a mere system of leotureship . The Committee especiall y request that tbeir friends from the surrounding neighbourhood will attend .

      SALFORD . —On Sunday evening last , Mr . Booth , of Nowton-Heath , delivered a lecture in the Association-room . After the lecture , a vote of thanks was given to the Rev . Mr . Ryan , Patrick O'Higgins , Jb . q ., and all those that have dared to , speak out against the abuse of Mr . O'Connell . There will be a ball got up in this room against next Monday evening , forthe benefit of James Bronterre O'Brien . LEICESTER . —Mr . Harrison , of Calverton , near Nottingham , addressed a large conooarse of hearers in the Market-place , last Sunday evening . Mr . Smart delivered his second lecture on the principles of the People ' s Charter , on Monday night . The thrilling news of O'Connor ' s release reached Leicester ( in a letter from the brave prisoner to Mr .

      Cooper ) on Monday , and every Chartist was half wild with joy , at the reception of it . It is intended to signalise the hour of the lion leaving his cage ( next Msnday , at one at noon ) by three times three Chartist cheers in the open Market-place , preceded and followed by a little speaking . Mr . Cooper ' s house , ( the Chartist Coffde-roomfi aud general retvdevoub ) will bo illuminated at night , and his rooms will be devoted to a tea meeting , so that the whole evening may be devoted to an unrestrained exprestion of the heartfelt joy which will be experienced by every true Chartist at the liberation of their great champion . 390 individual petitions were forwarded to Mr . Duncombe on Monday night , and seventeen on Tuesday , making 407 .

      TOWER HAMLETS . —A public meeting of the inhabitants of this populous district , vrtis holden on Tuesday evening last , at the Social Hall , Whitechapcl , to take into consideration the best mians of alleviating the distress of the unfortunate persons ejected from their holdings . Mr . Drake was called to the chair . The secretary read the statements made by the unfortunate individuals , some of whom had had the whole of then little furniture destroyed , and the whole had been turned out of house and home . The meeting was addressed by Mr . Goodfellow , Mr .

      Wall , Mr . Bloomfield , Mr . Parker , Mr . Ridley , Mr . Watkins , and others , and resolutions were agreed to in accordance with the object of the meeting . Mr . Watkins read a letter from Feargus O'Connor to himself , in which he mentioned that the day of his release will be tho 3 l ) th of August . The reading of this letter was followed by immense cheering , and a call for three cheers for O'Connor . Letters were sent to the secretary from various M . P . ' s , excusing their absence . The letter from Mr . Clay enclosed the sum of £ 2 .

      ASHTON-WNBER-tYHE . —Mr . Storer , of this town , delivered a very interesting lecture on Sunday last , in the Chartist-room , Catherine-street , to a respectable audience . Mr . Doyle lectured on Tuesday last , in the Char leBtovra meeting-room , to a very attentive audience . DEWSBTJE . Y . —A meeting of the Chartists of this town was held in the Association Rooms , on Tuesday evening , when the circular from York , from the O'Connor Demonstration Committee , was laid before the meeting , and it was resolved that a delegate be sent to York , to meet the noble patriot , Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., on hi 3 liberation . The news of his release caused great pleasure .

      BCCHDALE . —The sudden and unexpected letter of Mr . O'Connor to Mr . Cleave , which appeared in Monday ' s Sun , announcing tbe receipt of an order for his immediate liberation , produced unbounded rejoicing amongst the numerous friends of Mr . 0 Connor , here , it being the weekly night of meeting . Unusual numbers attended . Aoommittee was formed to arrange for the intended demonstration . It was unanimously resolved— " That a public meeting should beheld on Friday in the same room , to olect a delegate to go to York ; the following persons where then appointed collectors and duly authorised to receive subscriptions—Thomas Livsey , James Taylor , James Cas ^ on , John Leach , John Owen , Joseph Openshaw—for Bellfield district . William Peat , James Minsey , Thomas Stansfield .

      STOCKPOKT . —In consequence of the various reports which have been circulated aa to James Mitchell ' s receiving monies from and transacting business with the Conservative party at the late election , tbe Chartists of Stockport have instituted an inquiry , and , after a rigid investigation , have unanimously come to the following resolution : — lk That as the reports concerning James Mitchell's conduct at the late election , cannot or have not been substantiated by evidence , we do hereby exonerate him from all blame . " CAlflPSIE . —The Chartists of this patriotic place invite Mr . O'Connor to visit them as soon as possible . We have not room for their address . ECCLES , near Manchester . —Mr . Christopher Doyle lectured here on Monday evening , after which several members joined the Association .

      HTJEDERSFlEIiD . —The Chartists Association Room , on Tuesday , presented » most cheering and animated aspect . Several letters were read , amongst which was one from Feargus O'Connor , announcing his liberation , whioh gave the greatest of pleasure . Mr . E . Clayton was appointed to -wait upon him on Monday next , to congratulate him On being once more enabled to breathe a purer atmosphere . DONCASTER . —At a public meeting of the inhabitants of Doncaster . held at tho house of Mr . John

      Bradley , Common-lane , on Wednesday , the 18 th , it was unanimously resolved to send a delegate to the next delegate meeting at Dewsbury . and Mr . Charles Buckley was chosen to nil that office ; also , at an adjourned meeting of the Association , on the Tuesday following , it was moved by Mr . Denies , and seconded by Mr . M'Cartby , and , after a long discussion , canied , " That we , the Chartists of Doncastor , do immediately join the National Charter Association , and call upon all towns who have not done so to follow our example . "

      TTOBK . —The Chartists of York wish all the Executive to attend O'Connor's Demonstration , on Monday . They must come to the Association-room , Ebor Tavern , Fospgate , York , if they arrive on Sunday or Monday morning . STOCKPORT . —A crowded and enthusiastic meeting was held on Wednesday evening , to elect a delegate to represent the Chartists of Stock port , on Monday , to receive O'Connor at his prison gates in York . Mr . Charles Davis was elected .

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      DURHAM . —At the meeting of Chartists on Friday evening , 20 th bst ^ the following resolution was unanimously agreed to- — * That having considered and approved of the plan of organization of the National Charter Association of Great Britain , we will recommend it to the members of this Association at thenext general meeting for their adoption . " The meeting ia fixed for this evening , the 28 th inet ., at Bradford ' s Temperance Hotel , when every member is requested to attend . BTTNXiERXMtrD . —Oa Sunday afternoon , Mr . Williams lectured at the Life * Boat House , to a large audience . His subject was the power of Chartist reform to remedy existing grievances .

      XEZCrHLEY . —The news of the speedy liberation of Mr . O'Connor was received in this town with the most pleasurable excitement . A band of music paraded the streets , and a large public meeting was held in the Working Men ' s Hall , at which several congratulatory addresses were delivered , and it was determined to invite Messrs . O'Connor , O'Brien , and Benbow to visit Keighley as soon as convenient . It was also determined that a lot of the lads would attend the liberation . ALISBURT . —^ The oanse goes gloriously on here . A large room has been taken for lectures , acd Mr . Vincent is expected shortly to visit this place . * MARYLEBONE .-Mr . Balls delivered a lecture here on Sunday evening , on the benefits that would arise from a House of Commons , chosen under the principle * of the People ' s Charter . Mr . Scott gave a Very cheering account of the progress the cause was making amongst the trades of the metropolis .

      FINSBTJRY . —A numerous and respectable meeting of Chartists took place on Monday evening , Mr . Fussell in tho Chair . Mr . Win . Balls delivered an impressive address upon the points of tbe Charter , and the means to be employed for its attainment A vote of thanks was passed to Mr . Fussell for his conduct in the chair . On Tuesday , Mr . Watts attended the large room at the Northern Star , No . 1 , Golden-lane , where a numerous meeting took place . A discussion on the points of the Charter was introduced by Mr . Spurr . Mr . Fussell was appointed to wait upon several members of tbe jewellers' trade society , to concoct an address from tbe Chartists to them , explanatory of tbeir principles . DERBYSHIRE . —Mr . Bairstow lectured at Duffleld on Wednesday night , with very great effect ; after which , an Association was formed . On Thursday , at Bipley , to a considerable audience ; 3 s . 19 d . was collected for the lecturers . At Alfreton , on Friday , to an immense multitude .

      BLACKBURN . —At the weekly meeting of Chartists Ot this place , on Monday evening , it was resolved to get up a petition for the return of Frost , Williams , and Jones , aud for the release of all political offender . Mr . Busby , of Accrington , ably addressed the meeting . DUBLIN . —The Irish Universal Suffrage Association held their usual weekly meeting on Sunday last , Mr . Thomas Wood in the chair . Mr . P . M . Brophy , the secretary , read the minutes of the last meeting , after which , thirty new members were enrolled , and several notices for the admission of others were given . The chairn an , in a luminous speech , opened tho business of the meeting by answering the charges made by Mr . O'Connell

      against the Charter , and by detailing Mr . O Connell ' s abandonment of every principle which he had formerly advocated . He said it was in the recollection of every person present , that Mr . O'Connell advocated the total abolition of tithes in name and in nature , until not a trace would remain behind , and yet when Mr . Ciawford brought forward his motion for the total abolition of tithes , Mr . O'Connell voted with every Tory in the House against Mr . Crawford ' s motion , and with the most soul-stirring speeches , urged the people of Ireland n t to jav tithes , and said that ho would rather rot in jail than pay them himself . But when poor Reilly oaught the fire thus infused into his soul . aiid conceived that he would not b 8 entitled to the name of

      Irishman should he allow Mr . O'Connell to be the first martyr , ho was incarcerated for non-payment of tithes . He died in jail , and when Mr . O'Connell found that the last breath had left him—that poor Reilly no longer lived to reproach him with his treachery—he meanly sneaked down to the courts , and was tho first man in Ireland to pay tithes , after . ¦¦ aying so much in opposition to them , and after so much blood had been shed by following his advice ; and that during the administration of Earl Grey , Mr , O'Connell , in his letters to Lord Duncannon , recommended Attorney General Blackburn , and other Tory lawyers , to be promoted to the bench , where they could do no mischief ; but the moment Mr . O'Connell found that he would share in the

      patronage of the bench , and that he could get situations for his own relations and foliower 3 , from that of common policeman , to the clerk in the Hanaper Office , he raised the cry "keepout the Tories . " Was ever delusion like this practised on a credulous and confiding people ? Mr , Wood concluded amidst great cheerinp . Mr . Henry Clark said that , as a Roman Catholic , he felt proud of being connected with the members of the Irith Universal Suffrage Association . Mr . O'Connell accused them of having Orangemen amongst them ; he hoped that there were many of them members of the Irish Universal Suffrage Association , in which there was no delusion , and which would prove that we were more successful in conciliating them than Mr .

      O'Connell had been in his five years attempting to delude them into his ever-paying associations . He hoped that those persons whom Mr . Mr . O'Connell had endeavoured to stigmatise , would rather pity the man than condemn him ; for in his ( Mr . CJarke ' dJ opinion , it betrayed a great weakness in Mr . O'Connell to pass such unmerited strictures on a working man , as he had done on Mr . Brophy , who he was sorry to ; ay , was suffering on account of the unwarrantable attack of Mr . O'Connell . ( Great sensation , and cries of " ehame . ') Here several persons bore testimony to the good moral condust of Mr . Brophy . some of whom had known him for more than twelve years , and who always found him advocating the rights of the productive classes . Others bore

      testimony to his being an uiiiiinohing supporter 01 * the temperance reformation , and who knew him to have aided and assisted in the formation of four of these societies in Dublin . Mr . Brophy thanked the members for the testimony they gave of hischarac ter , and said , although labouring under exceedingly great difficulties , from the attacks of Mr . O'Connell , he pledged himself that nothing short of sickness or death should ever cause him to relinquish the course he was engaged in , and said that Mr . O'Connell ' s refusal to hear him at the Corn Exchange , bad made him resolve to stay in Ireland , and agitate for the Charter and nothing less , until it becomes the law of the land . Mr . O'Higgins said , that although the Dublin newspapers had been so extremely kind to him as to

      publish his answer to the unfounded charges which Mr . O'Connell brought against him , yet the publication of his refutation of the charges in the papers would not be sufficient ; because he kuew and was prepared to prove that Mr . O'Connell ' s friends , the very men who had swindled him ( Mr . O'Higgins ) out of a sum of £ 750 , and other friends of O'Connell ' fljVfho by-the-bye are now his companions , but out of whoso houses he ( Mr . O'Higgins ) had been under tho disagreeable necessity of taking his stolen property , and whom he would have prosecuted as receivers of stolen goods had it not been for the influence of his respected friend , the late Rev . Patrick Walsh . Well , those persons , the swindlers and their friends , and the receivers of

      the stolen goods and their friends , are now , and have been for some years past , the chosen friends of the great Liberator , and have been for years past circulating the vilest falsehoods against him ( Mr . O'H . ) which human ingenuity or tfee devil himself could invent . What a strandstate of society it is when those men who forfeited every right to remain in the country if justice were done to them , employ themselves continuously in vilifying and traducing the very man whom they have plundered ; but , dare they , would they venture to do so , were it not for the infamous impunity which Me . O'Connell holds out to them 1 Who are those men ? What are they i Where did they come from ? They herded in sties while those

      whom they traduce went to school . Mr . O'Connell said that he procured the expulsion of him ( Mr . O'H . ) from the society ot Irish volunteers in January , 1833 , for conduct unbecoming a patriot , a gentleman , or a Christian . Now he ( Mr . O'Higgins ) had no recollection of having ever been guilty of conduct so unchristian as to assert such unblushing falsehoods as these . He now challenged Mr . O'Connell to state publicly any charge of any nature or kind whatsoever that was brought against him in the Volunteer Association , or in any other association . He hurled defiance at him . He charged him

      as one of the most base , bloody , and brutal calumniators tbat ever breathed . He accused him ( Mr . O'Higgins ) of not being a gentleman , or of conduct not becoming a gentleman , why did he do so ? for the purpose of securing his cowardly followers from the personal consequences of the lies and Blanders which he encouraged them to circulate against him ( Mr . O'Higgins ) . He again , called upon him to stato publicly and in detail all the charges be could make out against him ; but he solemnly warned him against telling any more lies . Let him tell the truth , the whole truth , and nothing but the truth . Mr . O'H . apologised fur

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      r ¦ ¦ ¦[ £ ast * isti \ ^/^ U ^ i * u occupying so much of the valuable time of mmmSe ^ - , ing about himself , but he felt called , upon t »' . tome > - He should now proceed ( 0 the regular bMfe « affn > of the meeting , which was to propose foradmkiniii ^ the members of whom he had given notie **» htafrc Sunday . He had seventeen new members in > g «» T " amongBt whom were two friends of his own fre » l « B&-mUiw county , one of whom . Jfc ; ¦ Stoffcna O'Neil was the lineal descendant of the gwsfo * O'Neilcongoerorof the hundred battles . TheMko ^

      , Whose name is FatHek M'CtttaiMs & ? laws * *^ - soendantiof theMsdentbaron * ofKeM « lartj , a »* 3 ris » ringrilaY feet that the ** fc # nn&h te tltt >*> mkgr Down which has never since th » d * y » of BttJfrtn&z been without a parish priest of the bmh » rtWCaFten , ( Hear , bear , auid great ekB # iaK . h 1 b *» gmsee the Universal Suffrage AssoeitfioolMPTC »*« ifi 5 . all over the green isle , east , treat , north , Mid soatfr . Three cheers were given for CNeil « nd WCit * s ~> Mr . William Toole was called to tbe ebair , »» thanks given to the Chairman , when the meetkgj g ave three hearty cheers and then separated .

      HAMPAX .-The Chartists of this place , determined to do all in their power to extend the glorieaBS principles of the Charter , and diffuse informafciwts . among our suffering Irish brethren , have comme 9 et £ & sending their Star * to Ireland ; and they call afacn their brother Chartists throughout the country W& ? the same , in order to assist in promulgating aari& establishing the rising spirit of liberty , and break * k * J yoke of despotism and the trammels of political degradation in which they have been held by that tss ^—fiqing politician , D . O'ConnelL The demonstrate *** committee meet every Tuesday evening at eiri » & '

      0 clock . On the evening of Saturday last , at a paiS ?? meeting , the following resolution was unanim » w& 5 $ , ' agreed to , in accordance with the resolution paswraE * at the Delegate Meeting , Hebden Bridge , on Sondayr the 15 th instant -. —That we , the Chartists of Halifes ,, do most respectfully invite that noble champion aarffeunpaid defender of the poor oppressed and toil-wosx » slaves of Great Britain and Ireland , Feargus O'C « b »~ nor , Eeq , toa public demonstration , in order that we may tender our grateful acknowledgments to hiaafwsr the many sacrifices he has made , and cruel imprisffftment he has endured on our behalf .

      SEX . BT . —The Chartists of this place held tussr weekl meeting on Tuesday last , at the house tf ? Mr . George Woodall , Temperance Hotel , Gowtborj at which place the Association have a room . Ham society is getting on in a spirited yet cautious w » 3 & _ the number of members is sixty , and every meetimgz night brings addditions ; no doubt hut this wiiVt * r a very powerful aid to the great and mighty eawr of Reform , which is so much needed in our mte--governed country . The following resolutions weae- - ' put to the meeting , and carried amidst cheers fretcs all present : ^ " That we , the Chartists of Selbj da * hereby tender a vote of thanks to Mr . O'Higgiaa& . to Mr . Brophy , and to that great good and worth j . " gentleman , the . Rev . Mr . Ryan , rector of DonayDai * Ireland , for the able , mild , manly , and patrietxs ^

      defence of himself and the poor but brave Charted brethren , against that mon 8 ter-royaMoyal-anyibiuj ? r ~ nothing , Dan O'Connell , and his deluded folfoweiai *' "That we , tho working men of Selby , having ns »~ - bounded confidence in that unflinching advocate ^ aud champion of the cause of Universal liberty ^ Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., now suffering bis sixteeatk ? month ' 8 solitary confinement on the felon ' s eid » a& ~ York Castle , for no other crime but being a friend to humanity , and in order to show our esteem aei ? - admiration of the principles of that gentleina » yVs . - ' it resolved that we follow out the recommendatiea ^ of the Hebden Bridge meeting as much as possibly viz , that we do attend on the day of Mr .. O'Connor ' s liberation to welcome him to hS ^ home , his people , and his country ; and let theiar task masters see that although we be parted lEi person , we are in principles the same . " .

      GLASGOW . —A meeting of the directors of tnc : Universal Suffrage Assoc alien for Lanarkshire was * - held on the 17 th instant , in their hall , College-ope » r = Mr . J . Colquhouu in the chair , when it was unaa > - mously agreed to send a special invitation toFeaigaa ?' O'Connor , E ? q . to pay a visit to Glasgow on the » 3»—niversary of his first visit to Glasgow , when he waas publicly escorted through the principal streets tort * - Bazaar , by a large torch-light procession ; or sooner ^ . if he can makeic convenient . A committee was als ©* appointed to procure , if possible , the large and : eon— - modious hall now built at the Bazaar , for a soiree ia * thev&vening . The directors then agreed to meet laz .-. the 27 th current , to hear the report of the said eca » - mittee , and make arrangements for holding aihjgtp public meeting on the subject . A vote of thanks ? was given to the Chairman when the meeting dissolved . - ¦ .

      Chartist Church , Great Hamilton-street—A lecture was delivered here on the night of ihcK 21 st instant , by the Rev . Mr . Browning , late of ths . ^ - United Secession Church , Tillicoultrie ; it was ianonncedon tho placards < ailing tho meeting , thaftthe venerable clergyman had left that powerful dJ 3-senting body , whera ho could not find a kindred spirit amongst its numerous pastors , and had mad * common cause with the great and powerful body of ? the people now strd&gling for the attainment of tbrar civil and religious liberties . The Church was ewap ' etely crowded . Mr . Cullen was nDa » im »« b ^ P railed to tho chair . Tho Rev . and venerable « Adi 3 man ascended the pulpit amidst the

      tumultnemrcheers of the meeting , and was introduced in a few - pointed remarks by tho Chairman . The Rev . geirtirman took a review of the whole ramifications « & society , which he proved corrupt to the very core *_ showed that rdigipn as it was now preached by . tteeclergy of the various establishments waa not t&s ? religion of Jesus Christ ; denounced the whole sy steai of the Political Economists , as being founded © jet error and fraught with the most baneful consequences ? to mankind ; pointed out the utter wortblessnesa e £ ? our present rulers ; and showed the nature of those . ; persons among the working classes who did aot jbia * in the movement , and the way to deal with thea » v His brilliant wit and keen satire repeatedly aroneetf , the risible faculties of the gravest of his audie » & »^ while his bursts of eloquence brought down thuHdessr

      of app / a'ise . When he sat down he received was . distinct rounds of cheering . The Chairman tlteir ^ asked if any one present had any remarks to mi&& against anything which had fallen from the lecturer ; , but no one coming forward , Mr . M'Farlane rose ^ aoAi in moving a vote of thanks to the lecturer remarked ^ , that the cause of Chartism was now moving tko >? country from the base to the centre . It had mo * t £ the Commons , and it would soon move the Lords zz aye , and « yen the throne itself . ( Great cheering . )— --The thanks of the meeting were then given , first hyprapturous cheering and then by a snow of hamia ^ without one dissentient voice . Mr . Rodger iheia . moved that the lecture should be published , whiefer was seconded , and unanimously agreed to . A •* & . & ¦ of thanks was then given to the Chairman , and tier . meeting dissolved .

      Discussion in the Chartist Church . —On M « & ~ day night , the 3 id instant , a discussion , accordisgr fo previous agreement , took place on the lecture oST Mr . Roy , which wasdelivered in the same place O ' A ~ ~ - the 16 ta instant , Wherein he endeavoured to pisTet that the only war to spread teetetalfsm was by first , obtaining the Charter . Mr . Hoey first address « & the meeting on the opposite side . He was foHowe € r . by another gentleman , who took a very clear aw £ i comprehensive view of the subject . Mr . M'Fariaas * - followed . He believed that both the Teetotallers * and the Chartists were working for the same end v ~ the one for their natural rights ; and the other pr »> - paring them for their reception—he therefore wiafas © them God speed . Mr . Jack considered intemperaasa ^

      flowed from poverty among the working classes a »* B > ignorance amoDg tho upper ranks of society—ths * rpoor men were often driven to spirituous liquoisf by the depressed state of their domestic circuae * - stances and the miserable nature of their ho «« s > . A Teetotal advocate next rose , and referred to * Father Mathew in Ireland , for the good he \ atig . done there : he had made them first abstain from intoxicating drinks ; and now they would think f « ar themselves , Mr . Currie considered its advocatsev had ever taken a proper view of the Bubjert j .. referred to tbe temperate habits of the people off " Switzerland , Prussia , and France , the educative , of the people of these countries , the places of

      amireoment , relaxation , and where they could enjoy tfca ? - refinement of science , and contemplate tbe beamkreof nature , which were provided for them by tht « r Gavernments prevented them from resorting te > stimulating drinks . In this country , the child was . " forced into factories and workshops , where its fxawiswas debilitated , and its faculties destroyed by excessive labour , while the mind of man was destroyed by tyranny in their governors , and cruelty » n& oppression in their roasters . He sat dewn by comparing the teetotalists to a number of moles workings around them at the natural organisation of uas » and the state of things around them . Mr . Murra ^ c an Irish Roman Catholic , and a teetotal Charii * tT / denied that the five millions of his countrymen , wh& > had become teetotalists , had begun to think for

      themselves , when they were told by his great humbuggis $ s countryman , Dan O'Connell , that F . O'Connor wast their enemy , and that he had told the Eaglia&c Chartists to assassinate Dan at Leeds ; why , tb e ^ just gulphed it down without thinking any roer ^ about it . Now , he considered thai every NoTlhtTKt-Stor and Scottish Patriot newspaper that was sent to ? - Ireland , would do more to set the people ihere a * . tbJnkiDg , and ultimately ameliorate their conditiox ^ .. than tea thousand teetotal lectures . Several otheas' - followed , when Mr . Giliispie , the chairman , oloa * £ -. the debate . Mr . Brown , secretary , theu &un < Hm&dt that Mr . M'Farlane would lecture next Moniagp night on men , money aud talent to carry on liosi agitation . The hou 3 e was crowded to excess . Thesot ? debates have had all the success which was aasietpated from them .

      ANDERSTON—A meeting of the inhabitants < & Anderston was held in the Chartist Church then * - which was addressed by Mr . Currie aud i&i . Gillespie . ' bridgeton .-A meeting was held i « the Chartist Hall here , which was crowded tosttffoea * - tion . Messrs . Colqubosn and Callen addressed titmv mectir / frith great effect .

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      AND LEEDS GENElil IDVEHTISE ^

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      YOL . IV . NO . 198 . SATURDAY , ATJffEJE ^ 8 , J 84 I . ^ rt ^^^^'

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 28, 1841, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct719/page/1/